Late-Onset Menopause: Causes and What to Do

What Is Late-Onset Menopause?

Think of late-onset menopause as an interesting twist from mother nature. While the usual age between menopause is 45 and 55, late-onset menopause tends to occur after 55 years. While this is a natural process, its occurrence is often more surprising than comforting for many women.

It can be puzzling if menopause isn’t accompanied by all those general signs of post-transition time for women. For some women, it is just the time when it starts, and their clock is set slightly later. 

What generally accompanies menopause is a distinct difference in hormone levels, which leads to the usual symptoms, such as hot flashes, irregular periods, night sweats, and mood changes, along with other bothersome symptoms. All these are really signs that transition is around the corner. 

The difference between these and late-onset menopause is that late-onset menopause is gradual in occurrence. So, if you are often unimpressed by how slow your menopause transition is compared to your friends, you might be experiencing late-onset menopause, and that is perfectly normal. 

Causes Of Late-Onset Menopause

While many start experiencing it at an average time, there is a population that goes through it later. Do you know why? There are many reasons for this, such as lifestyle or genetics. Let’s discuss deeper into this matter:

1. Genetic Factors 

Do you ever notice trends that females share regarding their health? Genetics play an important role in this, too. Look this way: if your grandmother or mother went through it at a later stage, there is a greater chance that you will inherit the same timeline as well. 

2. Lifestyle And Environmental Influences

Things you do in your day-to-day life can impact as well: 

a) Diet And Nutrition: A nutrient-rich diet isn’t just about feeling good; it could also delay menopause. Foods packed with vitamins and minerals support hormonal balance, making those extra servings of leafy greens and nuts worthwhile.

b) Exercise: Regular physical exercise helps maintain muscle tone and also regulates hormone levels, which can postpone premature menopause. Whether it be brisk walking, running, or yoga, staying active is important as it keeps your body in good shape. 

c) Body Weight: Were you aware that fat tissues can synthesise estrogen? Women who are overweight tend to start their menopause period later in life due to prolonged estrogen production. But moderation is needed; having too much or too little of anything can have long-lasting consequences on your health. 

3. Health Conditions And Medical Treatments

The timing of menopause can be impacted by specific health conditions or medical history: 

a) Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): PCOS is a hormonal imbalance that mostly causes women to have abnormal periods and late menopause. 

Read our blog “PCOS And Menopause: Key Things To Consider” to have an idea of how PCOS affects the menopausal stage and what actions you can take about it.

b) Chronic Conditions: Diabetes, thyroid issues, and other chronic diseases can alter the hormone makeup of a body and influence the onset of menopause. 

c) Medications: Have you ever taken some medications or gone through hormone therapy? Such therapies can have an impact on the normal age at which women can expect menopause.

4. Reproductive History

Let’s discuss how your reproductive history influences the onset of menopause:

a) Childbirth: A woman who has more than one pregnancy would usually experience later menopause. Each pregnancy she undertakes makes her biological clock winded a little to provide her with more reproductive time.

b) Contraception: The use of hormones in many contraceptives taken for a long time may increase the age at which women will experience menopause. The role of these hormones is to protect the ovaries from underactivity, which results in a longer reproductive cycle.

5. Hormonal Factors

And finally, let us consider hormones. There are women whose estrogen levels have been high for many years, so they may also experience a later menopause. This can be viewed as having a bit more hormonal padding, which extends the reproductive period.

Health Risks Of Late-Onset Menopause

It has to be mentioned that menopause at an elderly age is not always an advantage. It comes with certain health risks as well. Let us analyse them:

1. High Risk Of Hormone-Related Health Conditions

a) Breast Cancer: Increased hormone levels play a role in the development of cancer cells. The more prolonged estrogen receptors appear in a woman, the more chances of developing breast cancer. So, regular check-ups are necessary.

b) Osteoporosis: Osteoporosis is a disease that causes bones to become weak and more likely to break.  Estrogen plays an important role in preventing women’s bones from getting thinner, but being exposed to it for a long time has its dangers and could result in a loss of bone density over time.

2. Cardiovascular Health

Heart illness tends to be less of a worry as long as estrogen levels are high. However, this extended exposure can have mixed effects. While it’s beneficial initially, late menopause may also coincide with other age-related heart risks. Monitoring your heart health becomes a priority.

3. Fertility Considerations

Becoming a mother after the usual menopause age, one may be celebrating that they are still fertile. However, remember that challenges will arise, too. While the biological clock ticks more slowly, the quality of eggs and overall reproductive health might still decline. If you’re considering pregnancy later in life, consulting a specialist is key.

What To Do If You Experience Late-Onset Menopause

If you feel like you are entering late-onset menopause, try not to panic. Think of it as just like another phase of life. Here’s some simple tips to wade through this transition with confidence:

1. Consult With Healthcare Providers

a) Routine Check-Ups: Women must visit their gynaecologist on a frequent basis to build up any questions and have their hormone levels checked. Supplement all your doubts with discussions around symptoms and solutions.

b) Treatment Options: To tackle debilitating anger, mood-changing tantrums, and hot flashes, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or alternative solutions could be explored with the help of a healthcare professional.

2. Lifestyle Modifications

Little tweaks and changes to your daily life can add up to a big difference in your well-being. Begin with small changes and gradually improve yourself  to a healthy lifestyle:

a) Balanced Diet: Focus on calcium, vitamin D, and antioxidants. For example, include dairy products like milk and cheese, leafy greens such as spinach and kale, fatty fish like salmon, and citrus fruits to enhance your nutrient intake. These nutrients support bone and heart health, reducing risks associated with late menopause.

b) Stay Active: Research suggests that women who exercise regularly have a better quality of life during menopause. It is concluded that even moderate physical exercise increases not just your physical health but also your mental health and well-being as well. You’ll need to determine which ones you like and incorporate them into your schedule. 

c) Manage Stress: There will be a better balance of hormones when a person is not stressed. Practising yoga, meditating or even going outdoors and walking can do wonders for your emotional well-being.

3. Monitor For Health Risks

Awareness about your condition is the most crucial aspect. Be mindful that simple changes in your body or even mind need to be addressed at the earliest. It is “you” who should take the initiative for yourself. Be aware of such important conditions:

a) Breast Cancer Screening: All women aged over 40 should make it a point to get a mammogram and examine their breasts now and then because early treatment can be life-saving. 

b) Bone Health: Regular bone density tests can diagnose osteoporosis, and timely medical intervention at an early stage can help. 

When To See A Doctor 

There are occasions when the self-care tips won’t be enough to get you out of the menopausal symptoms. Watch out for these situations, as these demand immediate medical attention:

a) Continuous Symptoms: If hot flashes, fatigue, or mood swings are so pronounced that they are debilitating, it’s time to seek professional help. 

b) Family History Of Cancer: If there is a family history of cancer in the breasts and ovarian area, then women should be extra cautious and should go for regular check-ups. 

c) Signs of Osteoporosis: Bone pain or fractures could be indicators of osteoporosis, and they should be evaluated right away.

Menopause can be a tough situation for some women, and the late onset may add an extra layer of anxiety and doubts. If you ever feel like you need a helping hand, we at Nirva Health look forward to accompanying you. Get in touch with Nirva Health to understand how to manage your health journey efficiently. 

Wrapping It Up

Menopause can be a unique experience for each individual, but it can also serve as an opportunity to enhance one’s quality of life. Genetics, health, and lifestyle factors significantly influence the experience of menopause. Although navigating this phase can be challenging, having a clear understanding of late-onset menopause can make it more manageable. Fortunately, maintaining a healthy and fit lifestyle during this time is achievable through positive lifestyle choices and a balanced diet.

Remember, you have support and solutions available, so there’s no need to worry. You do not have to face this tough but interesting journey alone if you make informed and wise decisions. As a woman entering this new chapter of life, what do you plan to do? Our advice is to prepare well and wisely; your actions will shape the course of your life from this point forward.